The waste reduction industry has traditionally been dominated by diesel-powered grinders, which remain the equipment of choice for many worksites—especially those with mobility requirements and limited access to three-phase power. However, recent years have seen a rise in the prevalence of electric horizontal grinders.
Electric horizontal grinders receive their power directly from the local electrical grid, reducing fuel costs. Diesel grinders also come with the need for traditional diesel engine maintenance—including replacing filters and changing necessary fluids—which means maintenance-related downtime.
In addition to designing, manufacturing, and maintaining the largest selection of cutting-edge electric horizontal grinders, Rotochopper also offers customization options for our electric grinders, including our Hydraulic Start Assist system.
Motor Start Assist for Electric Horizontal Grinders
Rotochopper’s Hydraulic Start Assist system uses pressurized fluid to gradually increase motor RPM before initiating the main electric motor startup sequence. When grinder operators begin the startup process, the pressurized fluid is released, and the motor is pre-rotated. Once the motor reaches the ideal RPM threshold, the system automatically initiates an electrical soft start.
Benefits of Start Assist Systems for Electric Grinders
Start assist systems for electric grinders help cut costs, reduce wear, and minimize downtime on busy worksites where every minute counts. Specifically, the Rotochopper Hydraulic Start Assist system saves time and resources by reducing startup amperage, electricity consumption, and mechanical resistance.
Reduce Startup Amperage and Electricity Consumption
Electric motors expend more energy during startup than they do during routine operation. In fact, the electricity required to complete the startup process can be as many as six times the average rate of consumption. Start assist systems for electric grinders reduce the amount of work needed to get electric motors to a normal operating RPM—minimizing wasteful amperage spikes and saving operators money on electric bills.
On top of regular electric bills, some power companies issue additional fees when they detect the large amperage spike typical of electrical motor startup. Using Rotochopper’s Hydraulic Start Assist system reduces—or even eliminates—these fees.
Minimize Wear
When an electric motor initiates startup, it stresses its internal components as it attempts to rapidly increase motor RPM to operational levels. Start assist systems for electric grinders gradually increase motor RPM at a controlled rate, reducing the mechanical resistance experienced by other grinder components—minimizing wear and maximizing grinder uptime.
Electric horizontal grinders can also experience rapid start damage, especially if operators start equipment cold and process feedstocks without a warmup period. Start assist systems minimize the amount of time grinders need to warm up—increasing equipment longevity, reliability, and dependability.
Minimize Downtime with Rotochopper Electric Horizontal Grinders
In the waste reduction industry, time is money. Using electric horizontal grinders outfitted with Rotochopper’s proprietary wear-reduction systems—including the Hydraulic Start Assist system—grinder operators can increase grinder longevity, reduce wear on critical components, and cut electricity costs—all while maximizing equipment uptime and maintaining productivity.
Contact a member of the Rotochopper sales team today to learn more about how we leverage technology to support professionals in the waste reduction industry!